The warning was issued in a joint statement backed by Elia dos Reis Amaral, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Health, and other senior ministers through the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Bluntly, we are failing to keep a billion girls and boys safe,” the leaders said, pointing to violence in homes, schools, communities, care settings and online spaces.

The statement marks 10 years since countries adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which for the first time included a global target to end all forms of violence against children.

Timor-Leste context

Violence remains a serious challenge in Timor-Leste. According to UNFPA Timor-Leste, around 59 percent of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, among the highest rates in the region.

Experts warn that violence against women and girls is closely linked to risks facing children, reinforcing cycles of abuse that can last generations.

Call for stronger action

Ministers stressed that violence against children is preventable. They highlighted the INSPIRE framework — a set of seven evidence-based strategies coordinated by WHO — as a proven plan to reduce abuse, strengthen laws, support parents and make schools safer.

They also announced the launch of the WHO Council of Champions on Ending Violence Against Children, aimed at increasing political leadership and funding.

With a second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children scheduled for November 2026 in the Philippines, leaders said governments must turn commitments into concrete action.

For Timor-Leste and countries worldwide, they said, protecting children is essential to building healthier families and stronger societies.